Hydrogen Fuel Cell Lighting for HS2

Date: May 24, 2018

In support of Noise Action Week (21st – 26th May), contractors carrying out HS2 enabling works and utilities divisions in the south, have embraced hydrogen fuel cell technology as a green and virtually silent solution for off grid lighting.

The Costain Skanska joint venture (CS JV) carrying out the HS2 enabling works and J. Murphy & Sons Limited who are carrying out utility diversion works, as part of developing the route of the High Speed 2 railway, are using TCP’s Ecolite LED Hydrogen Fuel Cell Light Towers. The lights, which provide a quieter alternative to noisy diesel generators, are being deployed for off-grid applications such as site security to help combat noise pollution in specific locations, such as residential areas.

Several of the units are currently being used by the CS JV site team at Old Oak Common to provide lighting for the site welfare, site works and the walkway into the site. The products have been specified as a sustainable and economically viable solution to using traditional light towers. Murphy’s are also using the lights in a more rural area as a solution to environmental issues.

“Murphy’s Ecolites are being used in an environmentally sensitive site in Harefield, as part of utility diversion works,” explains Beth Dale, Site Manager from Murphy. “The lights help us reduce noise on our large site for the benefit of the wildlife and local residents. The risk of accidentally spilling fuel during re-fuelling is also removed for these lights, and reduces our reliance on diesel, contributing to a cleaner construction environment.”

TCP’s Ecolite LED Hydrogen Fuel Cell Light Tower has been specially designed to use HYMERA from BOC, A Member of The Linde Group. This hydrogen fuel cell produces electricity from the reaction between hydrogen and atmospheric oxygen: the only emission is water vapour. The process is virtually silent, making it an ideal solution when complying with the section 61 noise pollution act. Simon Meades, TCP Ecolite’s Product Manager puts forward the reasons why the lights are more environmentally friendly than traditional light towers:

“The noise level from the hydrogen fuel cell light tower when it is in operation is no greater than rustling leaves. The system also operates within the mesopic range on the spectrum and therefore produces light similar to lunar light instead of replicating white light like many other mobile and task lighting solutions. In addition, putting light through the prismatic lens reduces harmful unwanted glare, further protecting the environment.”

According to Noise Action Week, which is co-ordinated by Environmental Protection UK, noise is second only to air pollution in the damage it does to public health. Products like TCP’s Ecolite Hydrogen Fuel Cell Light Tower, which has been developed in partnership with BOC, make a huge difference to the construction industry in reducing pollution and conforming to environmental regulations.